Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I have absolutely no idea what the Ceann Comhairle is talking about. I am asking the Taoiseach a question which he can answer. Either he or representatives of his Department did or did not engage with Deputy Healy-Rae.

Deputy Grealish was reported to have met the Taoiseach on 8 December in advance of the budget that he also supported. What can the Taoiseach tell Members about this meeting? What of the meeting with Deputies Scanlon and Devins? Were hospital upgrades and major road repairs, which I note from the statements issued by both Deputies representing the Sligo-North Leitrim constituency, promised in return for their votes? Each of them supported budget 2010 and the subsequent disgraceful measures in respect of social welfare. Is this the case that such Deputies, with whom the Taoiseach allegedly has a standing arrangement going back to 2007 and the formation of the Government, can up the ante every time the Government presents budget proposals or other measures such as Members have gone through all too frequently in the closing months of last year? Do they continue to be in a position to ratchet up their demands on the public purse regarding their own respective constituency needs? The Taoiseach should clarify the position and shed some light regarding the current arrangements with the Government of each of these Deputies in the context of budget 2010, which was introduced in the early stages of last December.

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